Brewer vs. Levin? April Fools

Of all the April Fool’s Day gags that dominated Facebook and Twitter on Monday, one was done in such a clever way that it probably created a huge buzz in political circles – at least for a few hours.

A press release went out that said former Michigan Democratic Party chairman Mark Brewer was announcing a 2014 run for Congress in an attempt to oust fellow Democrat and incumbent U.S. Rep. Sander Levin.

The notion was certainly plausible because Brewer was just dumped from his longtime position as Democratic chairman in an intra-party coup led by Levin, a Royal Oak Democrat who represents most of Macomb County. Political revenge would certainly be a big part of Brewer’s motivation if he was going after the 9th District seat.

The dateline on the emailed release was Clinton Township, Brewer’s longtime residence. The material was sent from a markbrewerforcongress gmail account. But it was the language in the quotes attributed to Brewer that also suggested authenticity. The author was clearly a political insider who is familiar with the lingo of a campaign, and Brewer’s background.

The first fake quote:“We need to have the courage to change. Sandy Levin has been a great public servant but it is time for him to follow his brother (Sen. Carl Levin) into retirement. He has been in Congress for 30 years and has failed to deliver for the district. Born and raised during the Great Depression, he is out of touch with the needs of Macomb and Oakland counties.”

The second fabricated quote:“I will be a member of Congress like my friend and mentor David Bonior. He fought for and delivered for his district and I will do the same for the 9th District. I look forward to a campaign which contrasts my energy and ideas for the future with Levin’s tired, out-of-date approach to the problems we face.”

The bottom of the announcement said “Paid for by Brewer for Change, 8322 E. 12 Mile, Warren, MI 48093.”

But the giveaway that exposed the April Fool’s Day prank was the phone number that was listed for Brewer for Congress. Those who called were connected to answering machine that revealed the phone number was

actually the number to Levin’s now-dormant campaign office.

No one has admitted to arranging the gag, though some speculate that Brewer was possibly the trickster.

Brewer could not be reached for comment.

A Levin aide said they are not aware who the culprit is and aren’t particularly interested in finding out.

One online news source, a blog known as MichiganLiberal.com, fell for the gag. They posted the press release for a few hours and later disowned it when they realized they had been duped.